Did you know that lips can sunburn? And are you aware that you can develop skin cancer on your lips?
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. And while May is almost over, it is always a good time to check in with your dermatologist. We want all of our ChopSaver fans to be aware that skin cancer is a lifestyle disease, which means it is a preventable disease. Did you catch that? It is preventable!
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
- 13 million Americans are living with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer
- One-in-50 Americans has a lifetime risk of developing melanoma.
- In 2009 nearly 63,000 were diagnosed with melanoma in the United States, resulting in approximately 8,650 deaths.
- The projected numbers (according to the American Cancer Society) for 2013 are even higher with 76,690 diagnosis and 9,480 deaths
- Melanoma is the least common but the most deadly skin cancer, accounting for only about 4% of all cases but 79% of skin cancer deaths.
- The world’s highest incidence of melanoma is in Australia, where risk factors include the country’s proximity to the equator, areas of ozone layer depletion, and a fair-skinned immigrant population. A decrease in average tumor depth at the time of diagnosis has been attributed to Australia’s extensive skin cancer screening program.
Ways to Reduce Your Chance of Getting Skin Cancer
Here are a few simple tips that can save a life!
- Avoid tanning booths
- Do not let your skin burn. If your skin is red, your skin is burning!
- Be a shade seeker
- Cover your skin with clothing
- Keep your babies and grandparents out of the sun. Children are especially sensitive to UV radiation and seniors have thinner skin. Sunscreen can be used on children older than 6 months.
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher EVERYDAY. If you are going to be outdoors most of the day, apply at least 2 tablespoons of a SPF of 30 or higher all over your body, 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply every two hours or after you swim or sweat excessively. For lip protection, ChopSaver Gold is broad spectrum and has an SPF of 15!
- Remember to examine your skin every month: Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes! Don’t forget your ears too! Follow up with a dermatologist if you see changes in existing moles or a mole that looks suspicious (irregular borders with several colors; black, red, brown, light brown)
